Shared success.
The rise of flexible workspaces
Once upon a time, the idea of sharing an office with strangers might have seemed a bit odd. But times have changed, and so has the way we work. Across New Zealand, businesses are ditching rigid leases and embracing workspaces that are as dynamic as the people in them. Enter co-working spaces and incubators - hubs of energy, collaboration, and, let’s be honest, some pretty good coffee.
Co-working spaces have gone from being a niche option to a major player in New Zealand’s commercial property scene. From Auckland’s CBD to Hamilton and Tauranga, they’re attracting everyone - startups, freelancers, remote workers, and even well-established businesses keen on a more agile setup.
Why the shift? More and more firms are seeing the value in flexible workspaces - places where creativity, collaboration, and fresh thinking happen naturally.
Picture this: a software developer bouncing ideas off a brand strategist, a start-up founder getting legal advice over a flat white, or an architect and an entrepreneur teaming up on a project. The best ideas often come from unexpected conversations, and these spaces are designed to make those moments happen.
The incubator advantage
For early-stage businesses, incubators offer an amazing launchpad by providing the structure and support needed to develop ideas into viable ventures. Spaces like GridAKL in Auckland and Soda Inc. in Hamilton offer connections to mentors, investors, and industry experts who can help guide founders through the realities of business growth.
Beyond the practical perks - like shared resources, investor connections, and expert-led workshops - there’s something more intangible but just as important: a sense of belonging. Starting a business can be isolating, but in an incubator, you’re surrounded by people who get it. That shared experience can be the difference between pushing through challenges and throwing in the towel.
More freedom, more flexibility
Kiwis have always been innovators, and now, with more of us working remotely - nearly 18% of Auckland’s workforce regularly works from home, a 60% increase since 2018* - businesses are looking for smarter ways to stay connected and productive without locking themselves into long-term leases.
That’s where flexible workspaces come in. They give businesses the breathing room to grow at their own pace, without the overheads of a traditional office. And for regional areas, they’re a game-changer, making it possible for people to build great careers without heading straight for the big smoke.
The best ideas often come from unexpected conversations.
Designed for the way we work now
What makes New Zealand’s co-working and incubator spaces unique is how they reflect what we value - community, sustainability, and adaptability. Many spaces are taking an eco-conscious approach, using green design principles and minimising waste. Others are tailored for different working styles, from high-energy collaboration zones to quiet corners for deep focus.
Across Auckland, flexible workspaces are on the upswing, with 60+ locations and occupancy rates consistently hitting 90-100%*. It’s clear they’re not just a passing trend - they’re redefining how businesses operate, offering agility, scalability, and a built-in network of innovation. Even major landlords are evolving, integrating flexible office solutions to meet the rising demand. As the way we work continues to shift, one thing is certain: businesses that embrace flexibility will be the ones best positioned for success.
Starting a business can be isolating, but in an incubator, you’re surrounded by people who get it.
Need a space that works the way you do?
Talk to our team at Barfoot & Thompson Commercial. With our finger on the pulse of Auckland’s evolving market, we’ll help you find the perfect place to connect, create and grow.
